Even though the island chain is part of America, there is something uniquely exotic about the Aloha State, making it feel like a true escape.

Between its own culture, its own time zone, and its own way of doing just about everything, the idiosyncrasies that make Hawaii so distinct are precisely the reasons Obama can let his hair down there.

2. R & R

Though Obama grew up in Honolulu, he and his family have stayed in Kailua, on Oahu’s east shore, for the past seven years. Once you see the homes they’ve rented in the past, you’ll understand why they’re so attached.

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Known for its gorgeous white sand beaches and laid-back lifestyle, the upscale neighborhood boasts some of the most beautiful scenery on the island — and that turquoise water is just steps from the Obamas’ rental. It also doesn’t hurt that Kailua is close to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, providing easy and essential security.

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3. Eats

POTUS has his go-to upscale restaurants on Oahu, including Alan Wong’s and Nobu Waikiki, but he also has a soft spot for the local favorites of his childhood, like spam musubi and Hawaii’s favorite frozen treat — shave ice.

Island Snow, a shave ice and surf shop in Kailua, is the Obamas’ spot of choice when in need of a post-beach sugar rush.

But, this is no mere snow cone — the ice is fine and fluffy, and many of the syrups at Island Snow, such as lychee and lilikoi, are made locally. Obama’s go-to combination is lemon-lime, cherry, and passion-guava, AKA the “Snowbama” at Island Snow.

For an authentic shave ice experience, get ice cream, mochi balls or azuki beans added to the bottom of your cup. (Or all three. #yolo)

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4. Surf

The Obamas have their pick of beautiful beaches when they come to Hawaii, but they tend to stick to a few favorites, including a gorgeous stretch of beach on Bellows Air Force Station. The gentle waves at Bellows are perfect for boogie boarding.

When Obama is looking for something a little more thrilling, however, he likes to revisit his high school days spent bodysurfing at Sandy Beach. (Last year, there was a proposal to rename the beach after Obama. It didn’t go over well.)

5. Golf

President Obama is an avid golfer whenever he is in Hawaii. The Olomana Golf Links and the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club are regulars in the rotation, but the Kaneohe Klipper golf course on Marine Corps Base Hawaii seems to be his clear favorite.

6. Ohana

If you’ve seen “Lilo & Stitch,” you know that ohana means family and is of the utmost importance in Hawaii. When POTUS is in the islands, he takes full advantage of that sentiment.

He has regular dinners with his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, who still lives in Hawaii, and makes trips to Punchbowl cemetery to visit the grave of his maternal grandfather, World War II veteran Stanley Dunham. The cemetery, used to honor service members, is situated in a volcanic crater with sweeping views of Honolulu.

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The president also gets to spend some much-needed quality time with Sasha and Malia. After all, who knows how much longer they’ll let him hold their hands after a long day of snorkeling at Hanauma Bay?

Kent Nishimura via Getty Images

7. Aloha

Aloha is somewhat of a catch-all word, but it is something you cannot quite comprehend until you’ve spent time on the islands. The word is a greeting, an expression of love, and a way of life. The aloha spirit is everywhere, and it is something that permeates the lives of those who live and have lived in Hawaii, including the president.

Once you know the meaning of aloha, Hawaii will hold a place in your heart, just as it does for the Obamas.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Obama throws a lei at the point where he scattered his mother’s ashes in Honolulu, Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2008.

8. It’s home.

Though the first family has lived in a number of places, spending the holidays in Hawaii has become an important annual tradition. Michelle Obama recently said that her family’s time in Hawaii includes an annual talent show with many loved ones present.